Mural Study for Cancer teems with more than 50 figures, including a patient undergoing surface brachytherapy, whereby radiation is applied to the exterior of the body with tongs. Hovering overhead in the center of the composition is a red circular form with flamelike tendrils, likely a schematic rendering of a tumor. The painting was created shortly after the artist traveled to study contemporary murals in Mexico, which had a profound influence on his work.
